Welcome to
Harriet Doward Counselling
Whether you are struggling with something specific or simply feel that things are no longer working in the way they once did, therapy can provide a place to explore what is happening and find a way forward.
Making a commitment to counselling is a potentially life-changing decision which requires courage and trust so building a strong connection with your therapist is crucial. We will work together to find new perspectives by identifying and challenging old patterns and barriers to help forge change and move forward.
Do any of these statements ring a bell?
- You have lost someone and are struggling without them.
- You keep repeating the same patterns in relationships and don't understand why.
- You feel ‘not good enough’ or that you don’t ‘fit in’ anywhere.
- You went to boarding school and are only now wondering what it cost you.
- You feel anxious, angry or stuck in a rut.
- You are neurodivergent, or suspect you might be, and you're tired of masking.
- You're in a relationship where you don't feel heard.
- You are struggling with addiction.
- You feel isolated with no one to talk to.
If you are new to therapy and are nervous about embarking on the journey, I offer a free initial 15-minute telephone consultation to give you the opportunity to discuss your issues and ask me any questions you may have to help you decide if you would like us to work together.
About Me
After a career in media, fashion and more recently pastoral care in secondary education, in 2019 I began training for a Professional Diploma in Counselling. I work with individuals and couples, and I bring both my training and my own lived experience of boarding school and neurodivergence to the work, where relevant.
I can help with depression, anxiety, peri and post-natal depression, self-esteem, addiction, self-harm, bereavement and loss amongst others.
I trained in Creative Couple Work on a two-year course led by Nick Duffell. I work with all kinds of couples; those in crisis, those looking to commit, and wanting to understand each other better, those struggling with parenting as well as those looking to separate. Often the same patterns keep repeating in both of you, and my aim is to help you see and understand them together.
Individual Therapy
My role as your therapist is to provide a safe and empathic environment where you feel confident to share difficult issues without fear of judgement. I work with anxiety, depression, self-harm, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, anger, post-natal depression, addiction, trauma, and bereavement amongst others. My approach is rooted in Gestalt Therapy, which encourages a better understanding of how we relate to ourselves and others and the subsequent impact we carry both emotionally and physically.
Couples’ Therapy
Whether you're in a crisis and about to walk out ... if there has been an affair ... or the relationship has become boring, stuck in a rut ... couples’ therapy may be the answer.
I will work with you to help you understand the subconscious roots of your relationship difficulties; looking at what first drew you together, where you got stuck and how to move the relationship forward. My aim is to help you understand and monitor the way you and your partner have been interacting and provide you with a glimpse of a new path.
The Commitment
Therapy is a significant investment in yourself of time, energy and money. We are making a commitment to each other in deciding to work together.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange a free 15 minute phone or video consultation. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
Testimonials
Directories
Sessions
Individual Therapy
Sessions are for a 50 minute ‘hour’ (the remaining ten minutes is so I can reflect and be fully present for each client). My fee is payable by BACs in advance of the session.
Your session is your time. If you arrive late, we'll still finish at the normal time.
Couples Therapy
Session duration is 60 minutes and in some cases 90 minutes. My fee is payable by BACs on the day of the session.
I am not able to conduct the session if only one of the couple attends and if you arrive late, I will still end the session at the normal time.
Guidelines
- If therapy is to be beneficial, it is important that you are available for your weekly sessions on a regular basis.
- I ask for 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel, because your time is held for you. Sessions cancelled with less notice are charged in full.
- Please come to sessions sober, so that our time together is useful.
- I'm not an emergency service. If you need urgent support, please contact your GP or the Samaritans.
Fees
Fees will be reviewed annually.
Individual Therapy
£70 per session
I offer a free 15-minute phone assessment for additional questions if required.
Couples Therapy
£100 per hourly session
I offer a free 15-minute phone/video assessment for additional questions if required.